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Semafor Technology

Why Figma’s IPO was a defining moment for investor Iconiq

Figma’s blockbuster IPO was not just one of tech’s biggest success stories of the year, but also a big day for Iconiq, which invested in 2013.
A Wall Street plate is seen on a street vendor stall outside the New York Stock Exchange.Jeenah Moon/File Photo/Reuters

Beijing preps national security countermeasures to US’ hawkish AI stance

China summoned Nvidia to address concerns that its chips have backdoors to allow the US access, and is also considering measures to thwart Starlink satellites.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Environment Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin attend the “Winning the AI Race” Summit in Washington.Kent Nishimura/Reuters

AI-assisted cooking device picking up steam in India

The robot, which can do nearly all the cooking for you, is made by startup Upliance.ai.
Upliance.ai’s cooking tool.Courtesy of Upliance

Startup Writer builds corporate AI agent that doesn’t go off-script

Writer’s “Action Agent” builds virtual computers and gives AI full rein over those devices, something that would be dangerous if done on a corporate laptop.
A screenshot of Writer’s Action Agent platform.Courtesy of Writer

Stanford’s new VR headset uses AI to fix device problem

Virtual reality headsets are still hamstrung by the hardware, but AI could help solve the issue by widening the devices’ field of view.
A customer tries on the Vision Pro at the Apple Vision Pro launch in Singapore June 28, 2024.Caroline Chia/Reuters

Brown University lab to build AI that is safe for therapy

A new institute created at the university is developing a generation of chatbots that can better interpret an individual’s behavioral needs and foster a safer environment for therapy.
Computer scientist Ellie Pavlick, who will lead the Brown-based institute. Nick Dentamaro/Brown University.

Trump may not replace Biden-era AI rule

The unclear plans for a replacement ‘diffusion’ rule are part of a broader softening on chip controls targeting China.

Trump’s AI plan calls for more open-sourcing despite China concerns

The new framework suggests a strong US open-source AI network has “geostrategic value” because it could underpin businesses and academic research globally.

AI helps traditional Japanese fish-killing method get a robotic upgrade

Shinkei Systems’ Poseidon robot intends to promote fish quality and humane harvesting by utilizing the Japanese ike jime method of killing fish for US customers.

Alphabet boosts AI efforts as revenue soars

The tech giant will use the money to further its dash for more data centers and AI-related infrastructure.

Left-leaning Third Way maps counter plan to Trump’s AI agenda

The think tank provided a roadmap for Democrats, urging collaboration with industry, attracting foreign talent, and prioritizing regulation on key ethical issues like deepfakes.

Google, OpenAI models achieve unprecedented results at math competition

In a competition for the world’s elite of math, two AI models said they reached the equivalent of gold marks in the highest they’ve ever scored, edging closer to human genius.

Data centers’ power problems are making fiber hot again

Florida-based Relativity Networks raised $6.1 million in funding to produce next-generation fiber for tech companies.

OpenAI to open first DC office to push policy goals and show off products

The company is looking to win the hearts and minds of policymakers and expand government partnerships.

Google harnesses Android to track earthquakes

A new analysis suggested that Google’s system recorded 11,000 quakes about as well as standard seismometers.

The next AI breakthrough will be how well your agent knows you

Tomorrow’s agentic systems need common sense specific to an individual person’s context, which can’t be learned from large data sets.

Report: AI risk management practices are severely lacking

Nonprofit SaferAI analyzed risk management documents from major AI companies and found that none disclosed adequate safety preparations.

Trump set to unveil AI orders to boost US edge over China

The rollout is expected to include pushing for speedier permitting for data center buildouts and promoting US tech exports.